Pop culture's top nerds

Warner Bros.

Mild-mannered by day, man of steel by night, Superman's alter-ego Clark Kent gave hope to generations of nerds who despite appearances possessed the hearts of lions. Though Brandon Roush's glossier Kent from 2006's "Superman Returns" had more bells and whistles, we'll stick with Christopher's Reeve's classicly nebbish caped crusader, thank you very much.

Mild-mannered by day, man of steel by night, Superman's alter-ego Clark Kent gave hope to generations of nerds who despite appearances possessed the hearts of lions. Though Brandon Roush's glossier Kent from 2006's "Superman Returns" had more bells and whistles, we'll stick with Christopher's Reeve's classicly nebbish caped crusader, thank you very much. (Warner Bros.)

Those glasses. Those braces. At first glance "Ugly Betty's" America Ferrera certainly fits the profile of the typical nerd as she meanders through the high-fashion world. But as watchers of ABC's hit sitcom know, there's much more to this Betty than meets the eye.

Those glasses. Those braces. At first glance "Ugly Betty's" America Ferrera certainly fits the profile of the typical nerd as she meanders through the high-fashion world. But as watchers of ABC's hit sitcom know, there's much more to this Betty than meets the eye. (Dean Hendler / ABC)